Collins dedicates win to grandfather

Brady Collins has claimed the coveted 36-hole Grass Green Gross Championship for the second year running at the 37th Geraldton country week golf tournament.

Collins finished on 148 at the end of play at Spalding Golf Club on Friday.

The 18-year-old said he was “over the moon” and dedicated the win to his late grandfather, who died last year.

“It was really good to go back to back here,” he said.

“I always said when my grandfather passed away everything I did was for him, so I’m just happy I managed to get up.

“I made a promise to him to win another one and I came through. I would’ve liked to have scored a bit lower, but I got the job done so I’m happy with that.”

Collins struggled with consistency in the first round on Thursday, but found form with the irons in round two.

Runner-up Glen Reeves (163) managed to recover from a poor first round to edge out Mark Slawinski (166), who finished third.

Ryan Kneale, who was favoured to win the 36-hole gross competition, took a penalty stroke for a lost ball on the 10th hole and could not clamber back into contention.

The 36-Hole Grass Green Net Championship, which takes handicaps into account, was won by youngster Brayden McMath.

The 17-year-old put in a solid effort on the greens in Friday’s round, finishing on 144.

“My driving let me down a little but my putting was really strong and I scrambled well,” McMath said.

“Next year I’m hoping I can shut (Collins) down and take out The Gross.”

Matt Wielgasz and Scott Baumgarten shared second place, both finishing on 146.

Karratha’s Chris Stewart easily won the 36-hole Sand Green Gross Championship, hitting 160, while Dean Solomon from Perenjori took out the net draw with 144.

The tournament was held over five days and brought nearly 200 people from across WA to the Spalding course.

Event sponsor Andrew Short said he was impressed with the turnout.

“There are players coming from as far south as Albany and the numbers have been fantastic,” he said.